What Is a Joint Loan? Everything You Need to Know

Being solely responsible for a loan can be stressful and take a toll on your financial situation. This is where a joint loan comes in. A joint loan is a very handy financial tool that allows you to share your loan with a family member or a partner.

But what is a joint loan, really? How does it work? Is it worth it? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about joint loans.

What Is a Joint Loan?

Whether you’re getting a loan for a new car, a house, debt consolidation, or just making a big purchase, it can be a huge financial responsibility. With a joint loan, however, the responsibility of repaying the amount is divided among two people, making it less stressful for each of them.

A joint loan allows you to apply for a loan with your partner or a family member. Since both of the incomes and credit profiles are taken into account, you have better chances of securing the loan, getting lower interest rates, and qualifying for a higher loan amount. 

In addition to sharing the repayment responsibility, both parties get to equally own the loan amount. Joint loans are usually taken out by business partners and couples to secure better funding by pooling their incomes. 

As a result, both parties get their ideal loan terms and desired loan amounts. You can get a joint loan for the following financial products:

• Personal loans
• Auto loans
• Mortgages
• Home equity loans

How Does a Joint Loan Work?

When you apply for a joint loan, the process will be quite similar to that of a traditional loan. The only difference will be the addition of another borrower. You will need to provide personal and financial information of both parties so the lender can review your combined financial standing. 

They will take a look at your credit scores, income, and debt-to-income (DTI) ratios to make sure that you can easily take on the responsibility of a loan. 

Once your loan application has been approved, both parties will share the ownership of the loan amount and the responsibility for the repayment. Any failed payments can hurt the credit scores of both parties. 

How to Get a Joint Personal Loan?

To apply for a joint loan, follow these steps:

1. Check the credit scores, incomes, and debt-to-income ratios of both parties to determine if you have a strong financial profile.
2. Compare different lenders to find the lenders offering the best loan terms.
3. Fill out the joint loan application form by providing the personal information, financial information, employment information, and other key data of both parties. 
4. Once the lender approves your loan application, make sure to go through the loan terms, fees, repayment terms, and interest rates carefully with your partner.
5. Finally, sign the loan agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Whose Credit Score Is Used On a Joint Loan?

If you have applied for a joint loan, both of the applicants’ credit scores will be reviewed by the lender as they both share the responsibility. However, lenders will often prioritize the lower credit score when making their decision. 

So if you or your partner have a very low credit score, it can impact both the lending decision and the loan terms. If the credit scores of both you and your partner are really strong, you can secure better loan terms.

How to Get My Name Off a Joint Loan?

The simplest way to get your name off a joint loan is by paying off the loan early. Make sure to check if there is any prepayment penalty required.

You can also get the loan refinanced in the other person’s name. To do so, you will have to reapply for the loan under the remaining person’s name. The lender will make their decision depending on that person’s income, credit score, and other key financial data. 

Is a Joint Loan the Same As a Cosigner?

A joint loan is different from a cosigner loan. With a joint loan, you and your partner share equal responsibility to repay the loan and equally own the loaned amount. 

In the case of a cosigner loan, a cosigner is only responsible for the repayment if the actual borrower is unable to do so. They don’t have any share in the loaned amount. However, the credit score of both parties is affected in both of the loans.

Is It Best to Get a Joint Loan?

There are many pros and cons of getting a joint loan. The final decision depends on your specific financial situation. A joint loan can help you secure higher loan amounts, get better terms, and have shared responsibility for repayment. 

However, it can also turn into a shared liability if one of the borrowers fails to make payments. What’s more, it can be a mess if you get into a conflict with your partner. So be sure to make your decision wisely.

Apply for a Joint Loan Today!

A joint loan is ideal for business partners, couples, or family members who want to enjoy the shared benefits without having to take full responsibility for repayments. It can also help you secure better loan terms and higher loan amounts as lenders consider combined incomes and credit scores when making their decision.

However, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of taking out a joint loan before applying for it. You should consider the financial situation of both parties before making the decision. 

If you have finally made up your mind to go through with the loan application, apply for a joint loan today.